First Advisor
Dr. Lora Claywell
College
Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
School
Regis University
Division
Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions
Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
Number of Pages
58 pages
Abstract
Abstract
Advance care planning (ACP) is a process that allows for an individual to document ahead of time the medical treatment they want if they are unable to communicate after an unexpected life-threatening situation. The legal forms used to document these wishes are called advance directives (ADs). Since African Americans (AAs) develop chronic disease at younger ages and often experience shorter lifespans than other racial groups, it is imperative that they have a clear understanding of the pros and cons of ACP. Regrettably, because AAs seldom complete ADs, more aggressive, and often, ineffective medical care is provided at the end of life. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement project was to promote patient autonomy by equipping and empowering these individuals with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions regarding end-of-life care (EOLC). The intervention utilized educational resources to engage patients in meaningful discussion and dialogue on the advantages and disadvantages of ACP during regularly scheduled clinic visits over a one-week time frame. The average number of patients aged 50 years and older who were seen in the clinic during a one-week timeframe was calculated and multiplied by 0.80 two weeks prior to the project being initiated. These calculations determined the number of chart audits that were required for pre- and post-study implementation. Sixty-five patients met the study criteria and received AD education. Fifty-six of the 65 patients agreed to be counted for the study. Fifteen ADs were executed during the intervention. This represents 27% of those who agreed to be counted.
Keywords: advance directive, advance care planning, end-of-life care, African Americans
Date of Award
Spring 2023
Location (Creation)
Colorado (state); Denver (county); Denver (inhabited place)
Copyright
© Nicole N. Richards
Rights Statement
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Recommended Citation
Richards, Nicole N., "Utilizing an Educational Intervention to Increase Advance Directive Completion Rates for African Americans in a Family Practice Clinic in Louisiana" (2023). Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection). 1077.
https://epublications.regis.edu/theses/1077